In the Northern Hemisphere, August is often thought of as summer’s last hurrah, or the hottest month of the year, unlike in the Southern Hemisphere, where it is winter’s last salvo.
First a little history
August is the eighth month on the Gregorian calendar and consists of 31 days. The month was named after Emperor Agustus in 8 BCE, though it was originally known to the Romans as Sextilis, or the sixth month in the early Roman calendar. The name was changed to honor Emperor Augustus’ military victories, most notably his conquering of Egypt.
Look up
August is known for the Perseid meteor shower, which is usually active between July 17 and August 24 with peak dates of August 11-13th. Other meteor showers lighting up the August night sky are Kappa Cygnids, Alpha Capricornids, Southern Delta Aquariids. The month’s full moon is called the Sturgeon Moon. It derives its aquatic name from the large number of sturgeon fish that are found in the Great Lakes in North America this time of year.
Dates to Remember
• National Black Business Month
• National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM)
• Don’t Be a Bully Month
• Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Awareness Month
• National Road Victim Month
• World Cancer Support Month
• National Wellness Month
• Psoriasis Awareness Month / Psoriasis Action Month
• Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) Awareness Month
• National Minority Donor Awareness Month – Encourages blood and organ donation from underrepresented communities.
• National Eye Exam Month – Promotes vision health and early detection
• National Gastroparesis Awareness Month – Raises awareness of this digestive disorder .
• National Hair Loss Awareness Month and National Anti-Frizz Month
• National Minority Donor Awareness Month – Encourages blood and organ donation from underrepresented communities.
• National Traffic Awareness Month
• National Water Quality Month
• National Breastfeeding Month
• National Dog Month
• National Panini Month
• National Fishing Month
• National Golf Month
• National Motorsports Awareness Month
• American Artists Appreciation Month
• American Adventures Month – Encourages taking an adventure
• World Lung Cancer Day (Aug 1)
• Esther Day (Aug 3) – Commemorates the biblical figure Esther
• Women’s Equality Day (Aug 26) – Marks the anniversary of the 1963 women’s March on Washington .
• National Grief Awareness Day (Aug 28)
• National Book Lover’s Day (Aug 4)
• International Left-Handers Day (Aug 13)
• National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day (Aug 4)
• National Pie Day (Aug 7)
• Women’s Equality Day on August 6 commemorates the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920.
• National Aviation Day is on August 19 and is held annually to mark Orville Wright’s birthday.
• Cat Nights is on August 17 and in homage to Irish legends about witches transforming into cats. According to Irish folklore, witches could turn themselves into cats up to eight times, but on the nineth, they are said to be stuck permanently as felines forever. The tradition is linked to the saying, “Cats have nine lives.” Regionally, Cat Nights are celebrated August 17 through August 26, in Indiana and Kentucky.
• National Black Cat Appreciation Day also takes place on August 17
• National Mustard Day (August 2)
• National Sneak Some Zucchini onto Your Neighbor’s Porch Day is August 8, although this year one might want to be mindful of cyclospora!
• National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day (August 4)
August Trivia
During a leap year, August begins on the same day of the week as February. The last day in August always coincides with the same weekday as the end of November. According to August weather lore, a “Dry August and warmth doth harvest no harm.”
Written in the Stars
Leo (through August 22) and Virgo (from August 23 on) are the two astrological signs for the month of August. Leo, a fire sign, is known for confident, passionate, and charismatic leaders. Leos are also beloved for their warmth, creativity, and loyalty.
On the other hand, Virgos are analytical, practical, and detail-oriented individuals. An earth sign, Virgos are also revered for excellence and their spirit of service.
Of Petal and Stone
Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx are all considered August birthstones. Peridot, the main birthstone of the month, represents growth, prosperity, love, and loyalty, and is renowned for its vibrant yellow-green color. Often, the gemstone is referred to as “Gem of the Sun” due to its appearance and close connection to the ancient Egyptian sun god Ra.
Chosen flowers for the month of August are Gladiolus and Poppies. Said to bring luck for those in born August, both flowers represent the different personality characteristics of those born within the eighth month. Coming in a bright array of colors, Gladiolus is known as the sword lily for its tall, spikey blooms. The flower is said to represent strength, honor, and integrity—just like the Roman gladiators of old. In Latin, its name means sword.
Poppies are revered the world over for their historical roots of remembrance and peace. The flowers are traditionally known for being red or orange, but also bloom yellow, pink, purple, and white. The flower is said to signify integrity and imagination.
Famous August Birthdays
- Jason Momoa, August 1
- Francis Scot Key, August 1
- Tom Brady, August 3
- Martha Stewart, August 3
- Barack Obama, August 4
- Kylie Jenner, August 10
- Tim Tebow, August 14
- Halle Berry, August 14
- Jennifer Lawrence, August 15
- Madonna, August 16
- President Bill Clinton, August 19
- Michael Jackson, August 29